Austria vs Germany tax: residency & income tax rates

Effective income tax by income

An effective-rate comparison for this pair isn’t available yet (one country’s full bracket table is still being verified). The sourced fact comparison below still applies — and the interactive tool covers every modelled country.

Austria vs Germany, side by side

	Austria	Germany
Top income tax rate	55%Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Einkommensteuergesetz 1988 (EStG), section 33“Für Einkommensteile über eine Million Euro beträgt der Steuersatz in den Kalenderjahren 2016 bis 2029 55%.”View source · accessed 2026-10-26	45%PwC Tax Summaries“68,430 277,825 136,860 555,650 42 277,826 and above 555,652 and above 45”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Tax-residency day threshold	—	183 daysPwC Tax Summaries“if they have an habitual abode in Germany. This can be assumed if the individual is physically present in Germany for more than six months in any one calendar year, or for a consecutive period of six months over a year-end.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Signature tax regime	[source]Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Verordnung on average rates for professional expenses (BGBl. II Nr. 382/2001), section 1“Expatriates 20% der Bemessungsgrundlage, höchstens 10 000 Euro jährlich.”View source · accessed 2026-10-26	Abgeltungsteuer: 26.375%PwC Tax Summaries“Capital gains from financial investments (e.g. sale of shares) are subject to a flat tax rate of 25% plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge (in total 26.375%, plus church tax if applicable), which is generally withheld at source automatically upon distribution of the gains.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Digital nomad visa	No	No
Nomad-visa income requirement	—	—

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: Austria · Germany.

Frequently asked questions

Is Austria or Germany better for tax?

It depends on your income, residency status and which special regime you qualify for. Compare the residency rules, rates and regimes side by side below, and use the interactive tool for your own income.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, Austria or Germany?

Austria treats you as tax resident after its own residence test (no simple day count), and Germany after 183 days. But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does Austria or Germany have a digital nomad visa?

Austria has no dedicated digital-nomad visa; Germany has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

Austria vs Germany: tax comparison for expats